The last Egyptian onion export campaign began in April 2024, following a six-month export ban. This ban was justified by soaring prices on the local market. In preparation for the 2024 campaign, and given the attractive prices and the need to increase production, many farmers have then decided to grow onions.
As a result, onion volumes for the 2024 season have reached over 3 million tonnes, one million tonnes more than the previous season. "The onion shortage is over," said one exporter in April. The same exporter regretted in August that there was almost no demand for Egyptian onions, as production had also increased in other parts of the world.
Mina Antony, CEO of E2M, a producer and exporter of onions and other crops, comments: "The increase in acreage following the shortage and export ban has been excessive. We needed time to adapt and find a balance between the needs of the local market and international markets, and I think the next season will bring that balance."
Industry sources estimate that the local market consumes an average of 1.2 million tonnes of onions and exports around 600 thousand tonnes. Mina says: "I believe that a 20% reduction in area and volume is sufficient to achieve an optimal volume, which will keep prices stable on the Egyptian market and meet growing export demand. This is the volume reduction rate we expect for next season, as many farmers have decided to grow other crops, particularly cumin."
"We see that prices on the local market are stable compared to the previous year, and I don't think there will be another export ban next season," Mina continues.
Despite the drop in global demand last season, Egyptian exporters were able to open up promising new markets. "We received a lot of inquiries from American importers, which is new. Demand from West African countries was strong, in addition to our traditional markets in France and the Netherlands," Mina says.
The next Egyptian onion season will start in March 2025 for yellow onions and in April for red onions.
For more information:
Mina Antony
E2M
Tel: +201271227787
Email: [email protected]
www.e2m-eg.com